Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Recipe Slow Cooker: A Flavorful Feast for the Slow Cooker Enthusiasts
Guide or Summary：Pasta FagioliOlive Garden Pasta Fagioli Slow Cooker RecipeIngredientsInstructionsDiving into the world of slow cooker recipes is like embar……
Guide or Summary：
Diving into the world of slow cooker recipes is like embarking on a culinary journey filled with comforting flavors and effortless ease. When it comes to craving a taste of Olive Garden, the Pasta Fagioli is a standout dish that combines hearty beans, rich tomato sauce, and comforting pasta, all simmered to perfection. This recipe for Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli in a slow cooker is not just a dish; it's an experience, a testament to the power of slow cooking to transform simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors.
Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli, meaning "bean and pasta" in Italian, is a hearty soup that has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. It's a dish that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food, with its blend of beans, tomatoes, and pasta. The slow cooker method is perfect for this recipe, as it allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and robust soup.
Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Slow Cooker Recipe
In this recipe, we'll transform the classic Pasta Fagioli into a slow-cooked masterpiece that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The process is straightforward, with minimal prep work and a long, leisurely cook time that allows all the flavors to develop and deepen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. **Brown the Meat:** Start by browning the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain the excess fat and set the meat aside.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
3. **Transfer to Slow Cooker:** Transfer the browned meat and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, cannellini beans, great northern beans, water, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. **Cook on Low:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer the cook time, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a rich and flavorful soup.
5. **Add Pasta and Cheese:** With about 30 minutes left in the cooking time, add the elbow macaroni and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the pasta and cheese are evenly distributed.
6. **Serve and Garnish:** Once the pasta is cooked and the flavors are well combined, it's time to serve. Ladle the Pasta Fagioli into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese on top.
This Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli recipe slow cooker is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Olive Garden from the comfort of their own home. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and effortless preparation, this dish is sure to become a staple in your slow cooker repertoire. Whether you're a fan of classic Italian cuisine or simply looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, this Pasta Fagioli recipe is a must-try. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and let the flavors of Olive Garden fill your home with every delicious spoonful. Buon appetito!